Interconnection
evolved. Testing of components in this field has to meet new and very different requirements to conventional tests in the development of combustion engine vehicles. The interaction of electric motors, inverters, batteries, actuators, sensors, etc. in different configurations needs to be tested in relation to performance and proper functionality. Conventional electrical measurement technology takes it into account by galvanically isolated measuring electronics, sensors and special insulated connectors and cables. Using integrated EEPROMs allows accurate measurement of more and more complex testing set-ups with higher accuracy, better documentation and ensuring right testing configurations with less effort.
The technology
Cable assembly solutions with integrated chips retain identity and memory and aside from basic identification of interconnected equipment, many other options are possible. Inside the connectors, a single microchip is enclosed, safely potted and sealed inside the housing. Communication to and from the connector is realised by
one additional pin inside the connector. Power to the microchip is provided via the signal line, a concept known as parasitic power transfer. Also, in many cases, the ground line can be shared with the ground contact or the shield of the cable, meaning that additional weight and size is reduced to a minimum. Bus protocols that communicate with the microchips are similar to I²C protocol, however at lower data rates and with only one shared data/power line. Identity is by a unique 64-bit ROM that is permanently lasered to the microchip. Additionally, 1 to 4 kbit of memory can be used to save device specific data. Additional safety functions are available, such as write protection or EEPROM-emulation mode. The bus protocol also enables addressing multiple connectors/devices on the same bus while distances can exceed 100 m depending on bus network topology and number of microchips connected to the bus. The application’s central control unit – a microcontroller, industrial PC or similar – addresses the connector via a standard digital I/O line. Standard libraries are available and can be integrated
into existing software easily, opening up a universe of possibilities to bring applications to the next level. Basic identification is by the connector’s unique 64-bit ID. This ID can be connected to lists of approved products, either locally stored on the device or via IoT-connectivity linked to real time data. Product tracking - linking the ID to online data, can provide real time status of the specific connector. Enriched with further data from the application device this allows tracking products around the globe, to record application specific use of devices, connections done by users, frequency of use, etc. Real time product release/ status allows enhanced safety options to be provided. E.g., a callback action could be displayed on the application device and callbacks could be limited to affected products. Product IDs can also be used to hinder, or at least uncover, product piracy. Or, by the simple existence of an ID, to identify duplicate products in use. The internal memory introduces additional options, offering reasonable space for information on the connector itself and the connected devices.
Documentation
Even documentation can be made easier with integrated EEPROMS - by reading the IDs of connected devices, system- configuration documentation can be automated. Interest is high, especially in medical and measurement applications with ever-increasing requirements for improved documentation.
Conclusion
Connectors with integrated EEPROMs are the solution of choice to make products safer, more reliable and intelligent. Today, many applications face ever- growing demands in safety, performance, documentation and ease of use. Smart functionality can be realized by adding microchips to the connectors that can then communicate via a single wire to the central controller. Integration is possible into most of ODU’s product range and, based on the small size of the EEPROM and the need for only one additional pin, the size of the connector remains the same.
https://odu-connectors.com/
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Components in Electronics
December/January 2023 43
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